“Take care how you set about it.”
“I will see what I can do this evening.”
The marquis and Lucrezia had not the slightest doubt that Anastasia spent every night with me, and they were delighted at the idea.
The whole of the day I devoted to the worthy marquis, who said my company made him happy. It was no sacrifice on my part, for I liked his principles and his way of thinking.
On the occasion of my third supper with Anastasia I was more tender than ever, and she was very much astonished to find that I had cooled down when I got to my room.
“I am glad to see you so calm,” said she, “you quite frightened me at supper.”
“The reason is that I know you think yourself in danger when you are alone with me.”
“Not at all; you are much more discreet than you were nine years ago.”
“What folly did I commit then?”
“No folly, but you did not respect my childhood.”